Air Show Season Opener Weeks Away

For much of the U.S., the summer flying season starts on April 4, when the annual Sun ‘n Fun show opens in Lakeland, Fla. On Monday, the FAA released its official arrival procedures, complete with a video tour of the VFR route. The folks at Sun ‘n Fun Radio 1510 sent out a reminder this week to bring a portable AM radio. They will broadcast 24 hours a day, with schedules, interviews, weather updates, the daily air show narrative, and remote broadcasts of the evening programs. The entire Sun ‘n Fun campus also will be a wifi hotspot, so bring your laptop and stay connected. Special programs will honor the 25th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle launch, and the 20th anniversary of Voyager’s historic nonstop round-the-world flight. Friday, April 7, will be the third annual AOPA Day, with discounts and special prizes for AOPA members. The theme for this year is “The Joy of Flight.” Events continue right through Monday, with daily air shows, forums, seminars, plenty of vendors, and exhibits. A splash-in at nearby Lake Parker hosts seaplanes on Thursday and Friday.